Reb Fountain and Her Art Rock Revival
NZ singer-songwriter Reb Fountain has created her very own brand of alternative folk, breathing new life into the stylings of Nick Cave, Patti Smith, PJ Harvey and Janis Joplin. Her beguiling new single “Samson” has been unveiled today, alongside the announcement of her next full length album, set for release in May this year.
“Samson” is a captivating listen, weaving together raw, truthful spoken words with the perfect mixture of dark, soft-rock elements and folky warmth. Accompanied by a stunningly engaging lo-fi music video, the track promises depth and reflection of the best kind on the upcoming album.
A definite departure from her previous, more acoustic folk-leaning releases, “Samson” is dark, ethereal and witchy. We are obsessed.
“Samson was written during recording at Roundhead Studios,” said Reb. “I stayed up most of the night writing the song and came into the studio the next day sleep deprived but super excited to show everyone. I sat down at the piano to sing and play but was so shy and nervous to be sharing my new work I basically whispered the spoken word. Everyone was so kind and polite but they could hardly hear me. We ended up listening to the voice recording I had made in the wee hours so everyone could hear. One listen and straight away everyone got to work. We had it recorded by the end of the day.”
Reb has also revealed her signing to NZ’s Flying Nun Records, where she joins an eclectic selection of punk and alternative names including The Clean, The Bats, The Chills, Chris Knox and Straitjacket Fits.
Reb Fountain has an impressive catalogue of songs behind her, each of which is imbued with the honesty and creative spirit of a true wanderer and storyteller. In 2017 she released her EP “Hopeful & Hopeless”, recorded live at Auckland venue, The Wine Cellar, quickly followed by the album “Little Arrows”. She won the 2018 APRA NZ Best Country Music Song for “Hopeful & Hopeless” and the Recorded Music NZ Best Country Music Artist Tui for the EP of the same name.
A pre-eminent singer and performer, Reb has for years been the musicians’ secret. She’s performed and recorded with Kiwi musical icons; Neil Finn, Marlon Williams, Don McGlashan, The Eastern, The Warratahs, Finn Andrews, Tami Neilson and Julia Deans. Reb toured Europe/UK/USA in 2019 playing solo and as part of Finn Andrews band.
Reb has spent 2019 touring Europe, the UK and the USA throughout 2019, playing solo, and as part of Finn Andrews band. We can’t wait to see what 2020 has in store for her after this captivating release.
